Candleridge Apartments

Pros

• The staff is exceptionally kind, professional, and goes above and beyond to assist residents.
• Trang and Shianna are highlighted for their outstanding, thoughtful service and genuine care.
• The property is well-maintained, modern, and visually appealing, creating a peaceful living environment.
• The amenities are outstanding and well-maintained, including features like the heated pool, fire pits, grills, mini golf, and tennis courts.
• The community events and private study rooms contribute to a vibrant and engaging living experience.
• The management team is top-notch, responsive, and genuinely cares about residents.
• The landscaping and grounds are consistently well-kept, contributing to a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
• Tours and leasing staff are professional, friendly, and make the process smooth.

Cons

• The one-bedroom price was not worth its small size.
• The two-bedroom at $1,820 was too expensive.
• It didn't feel family-friendly; it seemed more suited to singles or couples.
• Some neighbors were not friendly, and there was a lack of a communal feel.
• The walls were thin, making neighbor noise extremely disruptive unless on the top floor.
• The management's handling of off-leash dog incidents was dismissive and unsafe.
• The manager allegedly denied a reasonable accommodation for a disabled resident, violating rights.
• There were multiple safety concerns from off-leash dogs that impacted residents' well-being.
• The reviewer claimed the situation violated federal/state laws and planned to file complaints and seek damages.

Review

Fireside at Waukee presents itself as a modern, well-kept property that draws compliments for its interior finishes and overall look, even as some residents weigh the value against the rent. Several reviews note that the 1-bedroom units can feel tight - about the size of a container box - and that even the two-bedroom options can be pricey when compared to nearby communities offering more space for less money. Rents around a few thousand dollars a month are portrayed as substantial, and while there are occasional specials tied to lease terms, many tenants still feel the value skews toward a luxury experience rather than a budget-friendly one. The upshot is a complex that looks impressive and is clearly cared for, but not all tenants feel the price aligns with the space they get, especially if they're prioritizing family living or larger layouts.

On the upside, the management team earns a lot of praise. The dominant thread in the feedback centers on Trang (and, in several notes, Shianna/Shaina as well) as standout staff members who consistently go above and beyond. Multiple tenants describe Trang as exceptionally professional, patient, and thorough, even during very busy periods. Her ability to balance a demanding workload with genuine, attentive conversations with residents makes a positive impression and is repeatedly highlighted as a key factor in why people feel satisfied with their experience. In many reviews, the impression is that the leadership and day-to-day management care deeply about residents and the property, which helps offset some of the downsides noted by price-conscious renters.

Tours and community interactions also leave a strong positive imprint. Prospective tenants who visit the property frequently comment on the professionalism and friendliness of the leasing team, noting that the staff clearly cares about both the complex and its residents. Several descriptions emphasize the beautiful appearance of the complex, the quality of the amenities, and the sense that the property is maintained with a "luxury and carefree" mindset. The impression is that the leasing office treats visitors and tenants with respect, and that the property's presentation matches the expectations set by the marketing and model units.

For residents who stay long enough to settle in, the experiences skew very positive. People repeatedly express strong satisfaction with their living environment, praising the amenities and the overall vibe. Comments about the grounds being clean, well-kept, and safe pop up frequently, as do mentions of spacious, modern interiors. Whether it's the feeling of moving into a high-quality space or the reassurance of responsive maintenance staff, the consistency of praise across multiple reviews paints Fireside at Waukee as a place where many residents feel genuinely happy with their choice.

The property's standout features for plant lovers and social organizers are especially notable. A recurring theme is the sense of community fostered by landscaped courtyards, entertaining facilities, and a suite of recreation options. Reviewers rave about the outdoor amenities - five outdoor fire pits, a heated pool, grills, and even a mini-golf setup - that invite gatherings and relaxation. Inside, there are private study rooms for focused work or study sessions, and a calendar of resident events that keeps the community engaged year-round. In particular, several residents highlight management's responsiveness to special requests and the way staff, especially Shianna, makes residents feel valued and supported - an important element when you're balancing hobbies, pets, and daily life in a resort-like setting.

The personal experiences with staff and neighbors weave a consistent story: many tenants describe living here as quiet, peaceful, and friendly, with a welcoming atmosphere that's easy to fall into. Anecdotes about moving in smoothly - such as staff accommodating late arrivals or after-hours key pickups - underline a commitment to making the living transition as easy as possible. The sense of safety and the emphasis on a no-smoking policy across the grounds contribute to a perception of a well-controlled environment. For several residents, these elements - plus the conscientious maintenance and regular, personable outreach from management - are central to why Fireside at Waukee feels like a home rather than just a place to rent.

However, not everything is universally positive. A notable concern for a subset of residents is the price-to-space ratio, with some feeling that the unit sizes do not justify the rents, particularly when comparing with other developments in the area. Another recurring caveat is that the property can feel more oriented toward singles or couples rather than families, which compounds the sense that it may not always align with a family-friendly lifestyle. Wall thickness and noise are also cited by some tenants as a painful reality - soundproofing isn't perfect, and living near neighbors who are active or moving furniture can be disruptive if you're not on a top floor. Finally, while the community generally comes across as friendly, there are mentions of unfriendly neighbors and a desire for a stronger communal vibe, which some residents felt was lacking.

In a striking and very serious note, one review shifts the tone dramatically by detailing a legal and safety concern. The writer describes ongoing incidents of off-leash, aggressive dogs within the property and attributes a significant negative impact on a spouse who suffers from PTSD. They allege denial of a reasonable accommodation - namely, the ability to modify lease terms or move without penalty to protect health and safety - despite written protections under the Fair Housing Act and the Iowa Civil Rights Act. The reviewer characterizes management's response as dismissive, claiming they were told to adhere to the contract rather than to address extraordinary safety and disability concerns. Because this is a legal claim, it's presented here as a documented complaint rather than an established fact about the property; the reviewer indicates intent to file with HUD and the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and to pursue damages. This narrative stands apart from the broad base of positive feedback and underscores how one family's experience can diverge sharply from the experiences of many others.

Overall, Fireside at Waukee emerges in these reviews as a property of strong appeal and notable strengths: attractive, modern interiors; well-kept common areas; a thoughtful, resident-focused management team led by individuals like Trang and Shianna; and a rich array of amenities and community events that many residents celebrate enthusiastically. The experiences cluster around a sense of "luxury and care," with loud praise for staff responsiveness and a thriving, plant-loving, neighbor-friendly atmosphere. Yet the property also faces questions about value for money, family suitability, and noise control, with at least one serious, legally framed complaint highlighting ongoing safety and accessibility concerns that residents may wish to consider. If you prize a polished, nursemaided living environment with active staff and abundant amenities, Fireside at Waukee presents a compelling option; if you're evaluating it against family space, budget constraints, or strict safety accommodations, you'll want to weigh those factors carefully.

This area in Waukee, Iowa is a convenient and accessible location with a variety of amenities suitable for senior living. There are several restaurants nearby such as McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Los Tres Amigos for dining options. Additionally, there are multiple physicians' offices including Iowa Health Physicians & Clinics and Mercy Waukee Medical Clinic for easy access to healthcare services. The Palms Theatres & IMAX is close by for entertainment, and parks such as Grant Park and Westown Meadows Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. Places of worship like Westview Church cater to spiritual needs, while Mercy Medical Center West Lake is available for any medical emergencies. Overall, this area offers a mix of conveniences that could make it an attractive option for seniors looking to settle down in Waukee.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.1 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.2 miles)
• Los Tres Amigos (0.2 miles)
• Burger King (0.3 miles)
• Jimmy John's (0.3 miles)
• IHOP (0.6 miles)
• B Bops Waukee (0.8 miles)

Physicians

• Iowa Health Physicians & Clinics (0.2 miles)
• Waukee Pediatrics (0.2 miles)
• Mercy Waukee Medical Clinic (0.3 miles)
• MercyOne Waukee Family Medicine (0.3 miles)
• Country Clinic (0.3 miles)
• Brian L Waggoner, MD (1.2 miles)
• Waggoner Pediatrics of Central Iowa (Des Moines Pediatrics-West) (1.3 miles)

Theaters

• The Palms Theatres & IMAX (0.3 miles)
• Century Theatre (4.5 miles)

Cafes

• Scotters Coffee (0.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Hy-Vee Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (5.2 miles)
• Outcomes Pharmaceutical Health Care (5.3 miles)
• National Pharmaceutical Returns (5.8 miles)

Parks

• Grant Park (1.6 miles)
• Westown Meadows Park (1.9 miles)
• Stonegate Park (2.1 miles)
• Playground At Maple Grove School (2.2 miles)
• Waterford Disc Golf Course (3.5 miles)
• Valley View Park (3.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Westview Church (2 miles)
• Living Faith Lutheran Church (2.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Mercy Medical Center West Lake (4.2 miles)